Francis York

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Striking Neoclassical Villa in the Tuscan Countryside

This property is listed by Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. Click here for full listing details and more photos.

Set at the heart of a 99 acre estate, Villa 'Le Fontane' dei Vaioni—also known as Villa Philipson—is approached via a long tree-lined boulevard that dramatically reveals the villa.

The sixteenth-century style villa was built in 1893 by an Englishman and engineer and one of the most influential members of the Florentine Jewish Community. Villa Philipson was a triumph of its modern patron, who "did not want to spare anything so that his villa would recall the splendor of the Medici times".

The late-Renaissance Tuscan style villa dates was built by the architect Riccardo Mazzanti for the engineer Edoardo Philipson. Philipson hired Mazzanti to build Viale Strozzi in Florence, and desired a luxurious property in the countryside that would combine the grandeur of Medici properties with modern comforts.

The most famous local artisans and craftsmen were hired for the project, including Pietro Baldoncoli, Mariano Coppedè, Francesco Morini, and Giuseppe Michelucci.

The entire villa spans 48,437 square feet, with 35 bathrooms and 16 bathrooms, with a dramatic entrance to a large atrium with intricate stairs and vaulted ceilings painted by Poccetti and Vasari.

Beautiful finishes, antique furnishings, carved details and painted frescos adorn the interiors of this lavish sixteen-century style property which dominates the Vaioni area.

The property is surrounded by 6 acres of formal Italian gardens, a 16 acre park, olive groves, and woodland totaling 99 acres. There is a stable, kennel, and aviary included on the property.

Alongside the length of the driveway is the 80-metre long swimming, powered by surface water from the two natural springs on the property. 

The historic Tuscan property is located just 25 minutes from Florence and 40 minutes from the coast.


All photos belong to the listing agency.